SFPAX vs. VFAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SFPAX (Saratoga Financial Service Fund) and VFAIX (Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Financials Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SFPAX returned 9.04%/yr vs 13.32%/yr for VFAIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SFPAX charges 3.81%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VFAIX.

Performance

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Saratoga Financial Service Fund (SFPAX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

Over the past 10 years, SFPAX has underperformed VFAIX with an annualized return of 9.04%, while VFAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.32% annualized return.

SFPAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 1Y: 0.82%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 6.22%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

VFAIX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 4.85%
• 6M: 2.04%
• YTD: 3.24%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 20.53%
• 5Y*: 11.00%
• 10Y*: 13.32%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFPAX Saratoga Financial Service Fund	0.00%	7.00%	26.05%	10.58%	-14.36%	31.17%	-5.81%	29.63%	-19.23%	19.28%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.24%	14.90%	30.46%	14.07%	-12.26%	36.27%	-2.15%	31.63%	-13.47%	20.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SFPAX and VFAIX is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.96

Over the past year, the correlation between SFPAX and VFAIX has dropped to 0.54 - well below their long-term average of 0.96, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SFPAX vs. VFAIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SFPAX

SFPAX Risk / Return Rank: 2
SFPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
SFPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
SFPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
SFPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
SFPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VFAIX

VFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Saratoga Financial Service Fund (SFPAX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SFPAX	VFAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.11	0.53	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.08	0.82	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.10	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	0.54	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.42	1.40	-1.82

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFPAX Sharpe Ratio is -0.11, which is lower than the VFAIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFPAX and VFAIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFPAX drawdown since its inception was -71.98%, smaller than the maximum VFAIX drawdown of -78.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFPAX and VFAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFPAX	VFAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.98%	-78.64%	+6.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.86%	-14.72%	+9.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.92%	-17.31%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.51%	-25.71%	-1.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.64%	-44.37%	-1.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.65%	-0.74%	-1.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.91%	-18.54%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	5.68%	-3.36%

Volatility

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Saratoga Financial Service Fund (SFPAX) is 0.00%, while Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) has a volatility of 4.22%. This indicates that SFPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SFPAX	VFAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	4.22%	-4.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.96%	11.50%	-9.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.20%	15.06%	-5.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.73%	19.25%	-0.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.51%	22.53%	-0.02%

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFPAX has a 3.81% expense ratio, which is higher than VFAIX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SFPAX vs. VFAIX - Dividend Comparison

SFPAX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VFAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SFPAX Saratoga Financial Service Fund	0.00%	0.00%	5.91%	5.05%	5.71%	5.03%	4.18%	7.10%	22.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.70%	1.56%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	2.62%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.54%	1.64%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFPAX and VFAIX in my portfolio?

SFPAX and VFAIX have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SFPAX or VFAIX?

VFAIX has higher volatility (4.22%) compared to SFPAX (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFPAX dropped -71.98% vs VFAIX's -78.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.53 vs -0.11), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.